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It's not often for an England player is accused of whinging down under, but when Joe Root was questioned about the necessity for pink-ball cricket in a series like the Ashes, he gave an honest answer.

“I personally don’t think so,” Root stated before England's practice at the Gabba. “It’s obviously highly popular and popular in this country, and Australia have an impressive track record in these matches. You can understand why one match is scheduled.

“Ultimately, we are aware well in advance it will happen. It’s part of preparing for such contests. In a contest of this magnitude, is it essential? I don’t think so … yet it doesn't imply it has no place. I don’t mind it. I don’t think it’s as good as traditional Test cricket. But it’s in the schedule. We have to participate, and must ensure to be better than Australia at it.”

Root's Record in Day-Night Tests Takes a Dip

Like his counterpart, Steve Smith, Root’s typically strong stats take a hit with the pink ball. The England star has featured in each of the seven England's pink-ball matches so far, and despite a century in his first outing against West Indies back in 2017, his career average of 50.9 falls to just over 38 in these games.

Conversely, bowler Mitchell Starc holds an average near 29 with a strike-rate around 50 overall, but those numbers shift to 17.08 and 33.3 respectively in day-night Tests. During his most recent floodlit game, against West Indies, he claimed six wickets for nine runs as the opposition were dismissed for a meager 27—his best performance that he bettered by taking seven wickets for 58 in Perth.

Deciding Duel Between Root and Starc May Determine Outcome

The matchup between Root and Starc is emerging as a potential deciding factors in this series. While Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have traditionally caused him issues, with them missing in the first Test, it was Starc who got him out for a duck and eight.

Root has reflected the initial wicket came from a fine delivery—the type that might not carry the slips in England. His next dismissal, when he chopped on, amid second-day collapse, was an error by him. “I know I’m a good player,” he stated. “I know I’m going to return to form.”

The Touring Side's Hurdles and Readiness

Starc now uses the wobble-seam as his main tactic nowadays—he admitted he wished he'd heeded to Hazlewood and Cummins suggestions earlier—and in muggy conditions, swing may also be available. England, trailing 1-0, face additional obstacles in this Test, and runs from their top batsman could aid in recovering from their own mistakes.

It might not need a century should there be quick-fire match occurs, but Root’s lack of a century on Australian soil remains a talking point. “I didn't get time to think about it,” was his humble reply when asked if the stat weighed on him during the first Test.

Squad Decisions and Chance for History

Root and his teammates trained intensely over the weekend, to the sound of hip-hop providing the backdrop on a hot afternoon. Monday and Wednesday are crucial for England’s preparations, held under lights.

Wood being unavailable due to a knee issue has created an opening in the lineup, and Will Jacks netting with the main batters suggests he might be the frontrunner. The all-rounder’s off-breaks are adequate, and additional scoring at number eight might offset any conceded runs.

However, seamer Tongue has been with the Lions in Canberra and remains an option if England opt for pace-heavy bowling, and spinner Bashir was included previously. Much to think about, indeed, at a venue where England haven’t won a Test for decades.

“It is a chance to make history,” Root said on this fact. “It would be all the sweeter if we succeed here.”